Backflow Prevention
Cross Connection Control (Backflow) Ordinance
The City of Boerne has a Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program. This program, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), was established to protect the public potable water distribution system from backflow of contaminants or pollutants through individual water service, fire service, and irrigation connections.
As of March 14, 2022, the City of Boerne has partnered with Vepo, LLC to allow for the online submission of test and maintenance reports. Moving forward, backflow testers will no longer be able to submit paper Backflow Prevention Assembly Test and Maintenance Reports directly to the City.
- Submit completed test reports through Vepo, LLC.
- Find a BPAT registered to work in the City of Boerne.
- Download a Quick Start Guide to become a registered BPAT.
- Submit all tester registration through Vepo, LLC.
As part of this program, the City of Boerne requires backflow testers to be registered with the City before testing any backflow assemblies. Per City of Boerne Ordinance No. 2022-22, to be an approved backflow prevention assembly tester within the City, an individual must complete the tester registration form below and pay an annual, non-refundable tester registration fee of $50. Testers can mail a check, payable to the City of Boerne (Attn: Crystal Barrera), to 447 N. Main Street Boerne, Texas, 78006.
- Click here to complete tester registration on Vepo, LLC.
- Submit all backflow assembly registrations through Vepo, LLC.
Please discard any earlier versions of these forms as they will no longer be accepted. The changes to the forms were mandated by TCEQ so we can only accept these new forms at this time.
For questions, please contact Boerne Utilities at (830) 248-1538. Thank you for helping the City of Boerne maintain a Superior Water System.
- What is backflow?
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Backflow is the reverse flow of water, causing non-potable water to flow into the public water supply. Backflow can occur when changes in water pressure create a suction effect, forcing non-potable water into the City’s drinking water supply. For example, when a main water line breaks, the water pressure in the pipe is drastically reduced. The reduced pressure causes a suction effect and any substance in the pipe on the customer’s side is then drawn up into the system, contaminating the City’s water supply.
- What is the difference between potable and non-potable water?
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Potable water is safe for consumption. This water has been properly treated so that it is safe for drinking, bathing, and cooking.
Non-potable water is NOT safe for consumption. This is water that either did not go through the same treatment process as potable water or it has been properly treated but has since become contaminated. Many factors can make potable water become non-potable, such as exposure to chemicals, gases, pollution, infective agents, or any other contaminant.
- How do I prevent backflow?
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Backflow prevention assemblies or an air gap can be used to prevent backflow into potable water systems.
Without these barriers, water that is no longer safe for consumption, such as water from pools, irrigation systems, restaurants, and medical facilities, could travel into the City’s water supply and contaminate the drinking water.
Typically, backflow prevention assemblies are required for plumbing system connections that contain chemicals or industrial fluids, irrigation systems, fertilizers, or auxiliary water sources (including reclaimed water).
- How do I get my backflow tested?
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The City of Boerne partners with Vepo, LLC for the mailing of annual testing notices and online submission of Backflow Prevention Assembly Test and Maintenance Reports. The Vepo LLC system is a complete online backflow assembly testing, tracking, and reporting system.
If you received a notice, you will need to:
- Hire a registered backflow tester to test the backflow assembly.
- Find a BPAT registered to work in the City of Boerne.
The backflow tester will need to:
- Perform the required test.
- Submit all test reports through Vepo, LLC
- Pay $11.50 per test report submitted.
All testing information will be entered directly by the tester into the Envirotrax system provided by Vepo, LLC.
- What if my assembly fails the required test?
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If you had your assembly tested and it did not pass, you will have 30 days to have the assembly repaired and retested.
- What are testing and tester registration requirements?
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The City of Boerne requires all Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers (BPATs) to register with Vepo, LLC before testing any backflow assemblies within the City. Per City of Boerne Ordinance No. 2022-22, BPATs must register annually, provide proof of TCEQ certification, provide proof that testing equipment is able to maintain a calibration of plus or minus 0.2 psid accuracy, and pay an annual, non-refundable tester registration fee of $50.
Upon registration and verification of license, gauge calibration, and test for accuracy reports, the tester will be added to the approved list of Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers.
Testers must submit test reports directly to Vepo, LLC online.